Hands playing Afro-Brazilian percussion in Salvador
Afro-Brazilian Percussion & Dance · Salvador

Play the drums of Bahia the way they're really played.

In-person classes with a true Bahian mestre — small groups, planned around you. No deposit to talk.

Small groups · max 15 Taught by a Master No Deposit to Talk
Pai de Santo
Lead Instructor

Pai de Santo

Adson Junior — known on stage as "Pai de Santo" — began his career in 1996 with Timbalada in Salvador, and has since played alongside Carlinhos Brown, Marisa Monte and Olodum, touring Europe and Asia with Brazilian dance companies. As an educator, he has trained more than 1,000 students. He teaches the feel, not just the pattern — and he'll correct you the second you drift off the beat.

The Meaning

OPANIJÉ /o-pa-nee-jeh/ — a traditional Afro-Brazilian rhythm. We named the school for the beat that carries the tradition forward.

02
What you'll learn

Three ways in

Bahian Percussion

Bahian Percussion

Surdo, repique, timbau and caixa in Bahia's samba-reggae tradition — build the groove that moves the blocos.

Perfect for first-timers and drummers chasing real Bahian feel.
Samba de Roda

Samba de Roda

The UNESCO-recognized circle of the Recôncavo: pandeiro, viola and call-and-response chula.

Perfect for musicians and anyone drawn to roots samba.

Candomblé & the Sacred Drum

The atabaques, the orixás, and how this Afro-Brazilian faith shaped the music of Bahia — a respectful introduction to the sacred roots of Bahian rhythm.

Read the guide
04
Where we play

Salvador, Bahia

Salvador

Samba de Roda heartland Small groups · all levels Percussion & dance
Schedule in Salvador
05
Flexible Classes

No fixed prices. Just the right fit.

Group Class

Most Popular

Pricing tailored to your group and schedule.

No deposit to talk — we plan first, you decide after.

Small group, up to 15 students
Instruments & transport arranged per session
All levels — grouped by experience
Plan on WhatsApp

Questions, answered

Do I need any experience?
None at all. Most students start as complete beginners, and we group classes by level so you're always with the right people.
What should I bring?
Just yourself and comfortable clothes. We arrange instruments — and transport when needed — as part of your plan.
How much does it cost?
There's no fixed price; it's built around your group, level and schedule. Message us on WhatsApp and we'll plan it together. No deposit to talk.
Where are classes held?
In Salvador. Tell us where you are and we'll match you with the right master and location.
Let's plan your first class

Ready to play?

Message us and we'll plan a session around your level, your city and your schedule.

No deposit to book Instruments arranged for you.

Prefer email?

Leave your email and we'll follow up about in-person classes in Salvador, Bahia.

One email address. Unsubscribe anytime.